What is a pratisyen hekim (general practitioner) in Turkey and what do they treat?
A pratisyen hekim has finished medical school but not specialty training. What they treat, how they differ from family doctors, and medical reports.
Short answer
A pratisyen hekim (general practitioner) is a doctor who has completed the 6-year medical degree but has not yet done specialty training. They can diagnose and treat common illnesses, write prescriptions, give emergency care and refer patients to a specialist when needed. In Turkey, some of the doctors working in family health centres and emergency departments are general practitioners.
General practitioner vs family medicine specialist
| General practitioner | Family medicine specialist | |
|---|---|---|
| Training | 6 years of medical school | 6 years of medicine + 3 years of family medicine specialty training |
| Title | Dr. | Uzm. Dr. |
| Where they work | Family health centres, emergency departments, occupational health, private clinics | Family health centres, family medicine outpatient clinics in hospitals |
In Turkey, those working as an “aile hekimi” (family doctor) include both family medicine specialists and certified general practitioners. Foreign residents registered in the system can also be assigned a family doctor.
When to see a general practitioner
- Common illnesses such as colds, sore throats and urinary tract infections
- Follow-up of chronic conditions such as blood pressure and diabetes, and repeat prescriptions
- Vaccinations and health screenings
- A first assessment when you are not sure which specialist to see
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Frequently asked questions
Can a general practitioner issue medical reports?
General practitioners can issue many reports, such as a sick note (istirahat raporu); some medication and special reports must, by law, be issued by a specialist or a health board.
Related questions
- Turkish doctor titles explained: Dr., Uzm. Dr., Op. Dr., Doç. Dr., Prof. Dr.
- What is an asistan doktor (resident doctor) in Turkey?
- How do I change my family doctor (aile hekimi) in Turkey?
- What is the difference between “hekim” and “doktor” in Turkish?
- Is a dentist a doctor in Turkey? Dt., Dr. Dt. and Uzm. Dt. explained
Sources
This content is based on information published by official bodies and on current Turkish legislation; rules and practice may change. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page is for general information and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. In an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). En İyi Hekim does not rank doctors as “the best”; positions in listings cannot be bought.